My dog is limping badly after chasing a raccoon. What should I do?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. If xrays have not been taken of the affected leg, I would certainly recommend doing this to rule out a bone fracture as this could be the cause of the limp. The bones may be absolutely fine and this may just be soft tissue trauma / bruising that is causing the limp. She should receive an anti inflammatory for the pain and rest her in her cage for at least 14-21 days to restrict activity and promote healing of the injured leg. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Your dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian today for wound control, possibly an x-ray to determine whether there is a joint problem. If wounds are found (small puncture wounds, for example, your dog will need antibiotics. I hope your dog is up to date on his rabies vaccination.

I am very sorry to hear that Cooper is limping, I am sure it is worrying for you both. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a dog may limp, ranging from injury, infection, osteoarthritis, disorders of the growing bones or joints, and even some cancers. From what you are describing it sounds like a sprain that hopefull will heal in the next few days. In order to determine the precise cause of Cooper's limping it would be best to take him in for an examination by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will also be able to make Cooper comfortable by providing pain relief medication. The vet may also perform an orthopaedic exam and an X-ray. If Coopet seems very uncomfortable or depressed, you suspect a broken bone, the limb is dangling at an unnatural angle, a limb is being dragged, severe swelling is occurring, the limb is hot, bone is piercing the skin, or nonstop bleeding is occurring, Cooper needs to see a veterinarian immediately. If none of the above are occurring, and due to

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Phat boy's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. You could perhaps check with another veterinarian for another examination. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

If the limp is mild than you could restrict his exercise to rest him for a few days and see if that helps. If he seems to be in a lot of pain or the limp is severe than he should be examined by a vet right away. Your vet can take an x-ray to determine if there is a fracture. He may also need an anti-inflammatory and pain medications to help relieve any discomfort and swelling.

He may have dislocated his hip or fractured one of the bones in his leg. Please take him to the nearest veterinary ER or to your veterinarian right away. An exam and x-rays may diagnose the underlying cause for the [lameness](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/lameness-1/). If it is a [fracture](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/fractures-in-cats-and/) it may need to be splinted or surgically repaired depending on the severity and location. If it is a dislocation it will need to be reduced. If this is done earlier, it is more likely that surgery will not be required.

It could be that Cooper has strained a muscle or ligament. Given that he’s been limping for a bit now, it’s time to see a vet. I’d take him into one Friday. Until then, rest him. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to potty on a leash, and bring him right back in when he’s done. Best of luck.

With his history the limping could be due to a soft tissue injury like a muscle strain but dogs also have a ligament in their knee that can get injured and cause significant issues. Other possible causes include a puncture wound or pad injury. If the limping continues he should get checked out by his veterinarian. Do not give any human medications as they can be toxic but restricting his activity/rest is safe.

Chewy is limping because he's in pain. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with her care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!